Terra, wake up. I open my eyes to see Tatianna and Lilia standing at the side of my bed, looking at me expectantly. I roll over and groan in response, I am definitely not ready to be awake yet. When I remember that today is the day I leave to get my tribute from four, however, I willingly jump out of bed.
Tatianna and Lilia escort me into the living room where I assume they will be making me over for my trip, but instead they tell me to take a seat. They sit on the couch next to Thom and Lilac, and Tatianna starts speaking.
"We have great news for you, Terra!" she exclaims. I look at her expectantly, waiting for her to continue. "Thom, Lilac, and Lilia are now the new prep team for District Four's tribute girl, so we all get to accompany you and your tribute during the Games!"
Thom smiles at me, while Lilac and Lilia both start jumping up and down excitedly. I am happy that those three will be accompanying me, but I'm not so happy that Tatianna will be there as well. I smile and hug Lilac, Lilia, and Thom, letting them know how excited I am, but I don't acknowledge Tatianna at all. She doesn't seem to notice though, instead of saying something she quietly watches me as I get ready to leave.
I came here with almost none of my belongings from home, but since I know I will be staying in the tribute center with the tributes from Four when I return, I gather the stuff I have accumulated since I've been in the Capitol. I fill a blue leather purse with all the money and jewelry clients have given me since I've been here. I know I will not wear any of the jewelry, but I'm sure people back in Four would love to buy it from me when I return there for good after the Games. I already have more money than I know what to do with, but it still feels good to be financially secure, even if I absolutely hate how I earned it.
It only takes a few hours to get from the Capitol to Four, but I spend the majority of that time sleeping. We get to Four at 11 in the morning, and I am escorted straight to the town square, where the reaping will take place. I spot Finnick in the crowd, standing with the other victors, and I walk over to him. Just as I am about to greet him, Tatianna's voice sounds over the speakers.
"Greetings citizens of District Four, and welcome to the reaping for the 74th annual Hunger Games!"
She gives a short speech about how she is sure we are all excited to pick the two tributes that will honor our district in the Hunger Games, then a short video is played explaining what happened 74 years ago that caused the creation of the Games. I zone out during most of this speech, not only because I have heard it so many times already, but also because it is still painful to relive my own reaping.
Before I know it, it is time to announce the tributes. I snap to attention, curious to know whether or not anyone will volunteer this year. Our district sometimes has career tributes that train and volunteer for the Games, but this doesn't always happen. Tatianna moves her hand around in the bowl, then picks up a piece of paper and reads the name.
"This year's female tribute is Wednesday Roberts!" Tatianna says with a big smile. Everyone is silent, waiting to see if anyone will volunteer in her place. When nobody does, a girl of about 14 years old steps out from the crowd and slowly walks up to the stage. She looks sad and really scared, just like I was when I was reaped. I instantly feel a pang of pity for her.
A really tiny boy with blonde curls named Malachi is reaped, and starts crying onstage. So this year is not a Career year for District Four. I feel bad for both tributes, and decide that I will do whatever I can to help them in the Games, even though their chances of surviving aren't great. I look over to Finnick, and it looks like he is thinking the same thing as me.
Finnick and I are already on the train with the prep team when the two tributes join us. Both of them are puffy eyed and still sniffling, obviously still upset from saying their goodbyes to their families and friends. This makes me really sad, but I put on a brave face and casually introduce myself to them.
"Hello, my name is Terra and I will be your mentor."
The girl, Wednesday, looks up at me with wide eyes but doesn't say anything. I am not a naturally talkative person, but I want to do my best to make this girl feel comfortable around me.
"I know you are probably scared, but I am going to make sure you win the Games so you can come home to your family."